2012 London Torch Relay Route

Over 70 days, 8,000 people carried the Olympic torch through more than 1,000 places across the UK. Take a tour of some of the towns that greeted the torch before the games kicked off in London.

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Located in Cornwall, Land's End will be the first overnight stop for the Olympic torch. The small settlement sits atop rocky cliffs in the most southwestern corner of England.

On May 25, the torch will spend the night in Cardiff, the capital of Wales. The Wales Millennium Centre greets visitors with an inscription that reads, "In These Stones Horizons Sing," and in Welsh words that translate as, "Creating truth like glass from the furnace of inspiration."

The coastal town of Aberystwyth will have an evening celebration for the torch on May 27. Considered the cultural capital of Wales, it is also home to the ruins of the 12th-century Aberystwyth castle ruins.

On May 28, the torch will stop in Bangor, one of the smallest cities in the UK and home to Penrhyn Castle, which overlooks the Snowdonia Mountains.

On June 13, the torch will hop over to Scotland for a stop in the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Edinburgh. Overlooking the city, Edinburgh Castle reminds visitors of Scotland's historical roots.

Guarded by stone-carved lions, Alnwick Castle in the Northumberland region dates back to the 11th century. It's commonly known for its role as the Hogwarts Castle in the Harry Potter films.

Bowness-on-Windermere is home to England's largest natural lake. The secluded town in the heart of the Lake District has been a tourist attraction since the Victorian era, drawing visitors with its watersports and scenic views.

Coventry Cathedral was built in the ancient city of Coventry. The cathedral that stands today was built 50 years ago next to the ruins of the old cathedral, symbolizing the revival of the city after the Blitz bombing raids of World War II.

In Oxford, the Radcliffe Camera, or "Rad Cam" as it is commonly called, has been standing since 1749. The circular science library is an iconic landmark in this culturally diverse region.

Together with the town of Portland, the seaside town of Weymouth in Dorset hosted the 2012 Olympic sailing events.

Part of the Channel Islands, the Jersey region is a popular destination for athletes, with picturesque beaches and 100 miles of bike trails.

Hastings Old Town is full of history. With its half-timbered houses and narrow streets (called "twittens" by the locals), Old Town is home to the largest beach-launched fishing fleet in Europe.

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London

2012 London Torch Relay Route

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